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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 73 records · Page 4

A technique to measure the thermal diffusivity of high Tc superconductors

High T(sub c) superconducting electrical current leads and ground straps will be used in cryogenic coolers in future NASA Goddard Space Flight Center missions. These superconducting samples are long, thin leads with a typical diameter of two millimeters. A longitudinal method is developed to measure the thermal diffusivity of candidate materials for this application. This technique uses a peltier junction to supply an oscillatory heat wave into one end of a sample and will use low mass thermocouples to follow the heat wave along the sample. The thermal diffusivity is calculated using both the exponential decay of the heat wave and the phase shift to the wave. Measurements are performed in a cryostat between 10 K and room temperature.

Powers, Charles E.↗

NASA Tech Briefs, June 2010

Topics covered include: Situational Awareness from a Low-Cost Camera System; Data Acquisition System for Multi-Frequency Radar Flight Operations Preparation; Mercury Toolset for Spatiotemporal Metadata; Social Tagging of Mission Data; Integrating Radar Image Data with Google Maps; Demonstration of a Submillimeter-Wave HEMT Oscillator Module at 330 GHz; Flexible Peripheral Component Interconnect Input/Output Card; Interface Supports Lightweight Subsystem Routing for Flight Applications; MMIC Amplifiers and Wafer Probes for 350 to 500 GHz; Public Risk Assessment Program; Particle Swarm Optimization Toolbox; Telescience Support Center Data System Software; Update on PISCES; Ground and Space Radar Volume Matching and Comparison Software; Web-Based Interface for Command and Control of Network Sensors; Orbit Determination Toolbox; Distributed Observer Network; Computer-Automated Evolution of Spacecraft X-Band Antennas; Practical Loop-Shaping Design of Feedback Control Systems; Fully Printed High-Frequency Phased-Array Antenna on Flexible Substrate; Formula for the Removal and Remediation of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Painted Structures; Integrated Solar Concentrator and Shielded Radiator; Water Membrane Evaporator; Modeling of Failure for Analysis of Triaxial Braided Carbon Fiber Composites; Catalyst for Carbon Monoxide Oxidation; Titanium Hydroxide - a Volatile Species at High Temperature; Selective Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes: Part II; Steerable Hopping Six-Legged Robot; Launchable and Retrievable Tetherobot; Hybrid Heat Exchangers; Orbital Winch for High-Strength, Space-Survivable Tethers; Parameterized Linear Longitudinal Airship Model; and Physics of Life: A Model for Non-Newtonian Properties of Living Systems.

Source record↗

The Dynamics of Ionospheric D Region over East Siberia

Some main results of experimental investigations of the dynamical regime of the ionospheric D-region over East Siberia are presented. Regular measurements of horizontal ionospheric drifts by the radio method of closely spaced receivers, using a long wavelength transmitter operating at a frequency of 200 kHz, were carried out near Irkutsk, USSR, since 1975. The seasonal and inter-annual variations of prevailing wind (zonal and meridional), and amplitudes and phases of semi-diurnal tides are investigated. Evidence is presented to show the response of D-region dynamics to stratospheric warmings. Planetary and gravity waves are found in the wind field. Comparison with results of analogous measurements in Central Europe (Collm, GDR) reveals a longitudinal effect on the dynamical regime of the mid-latitude lower thermosphere.

Kazimirovsky, E. S.↗

A technique to measure the thermal diffusivity of high T(sub c) superconductors

High T(sub c) superconducting electrical current leads and ground straps will be used in cryogenic coolers in future NASA Goddard Space Flight Center missions. These superconducting samples will be long, thin leads with a typical diameter of two millimeters. A longitudinal method is being developed to measure the thermal diffusivity of candidate materials for this application. This technique will use a peltier junction to supply an oscillatory heat wave into one end of a sample and will use low mass thermocouples to follow the heat wave along the sample. The thermal diffusivity will be calculated using both the exponential decay of the heat wave and the phase shift of the wave. Measurements will be done in a cryostat between 10 K and room temperature.

Powers, Charles E.↗

Propagation of elastic waves in a flexomagnetic solid

Flexomagnetism is the coupling between magnetism and strain gradients and is a technologically relevant phenomenon. We present a theory of elastic wave propagation in a linear elastic flexomagnetic material with microstructure and strain gradient elastic interactions. The expressions of frequency, phase velocity, and group velocity of longitudinal and transverse waves are derived and are shown to depend on the flexomagnetic coefficient and microstructure. We also show that the effect of flexomagnetism and microstructure can lead to some interesting phenomena in wave propagation, which are not observed in classical linear elasticity theory of waves. Specifically, in contrast to classical linear elastic materials, where wave propagation is non-dispersive, flexomagnetic materials with microstructure can exhibit both normal and abnormal dispersion. It is also noteworthy that, in flexomagnetic materials with gradient elasticity, the phase velocities of transverse waves can exceed those of longitudinal waves, which is atypical in classical elasticity. Furthermore, waves can also attenuate for a certain range of wavenumbers that depend on the flexomagnetic coefficient and microstructural parameters. Finally, we explore the possibility of waves exhibiting zero group velocity modes, where waves are non-propagating but have strong local energy confinement, negative group velocity modes, where the wave packet moves in the opposite direction to that of wave propagation, and the phenomenon of wave freezing, where a propagating wave stops in space without diffusing or spreading.

Ghosh, Swarnava [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000338005264)↗

Lunar Lander Structural Design Studies at NASA Langley

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is currently developing mission architectures, vehicle concepts and flight hardware to support the planned human return to the Moon. During Phase II of the 2006 Lunar Lander Preparatory Study, a team from the Langley Research Center was tasked with developing and refining two proposed Lander concepts. The Descent-Assisted, Split Habitat Lander concept uses a disposable braking stage to perform the lunar orbit insertion maneuver and most of the descent from lunar orbit to the surface. The second concept, the Cargo Star Horizontal Lander, carries ascent loads along its longitudinal axis, and is then rotated in flight so that its main engines (mounted perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal axis) are correctly oriented for lunar orbit insertion and a horizontal landing. Both Landers have separate crew transport volumes and habitats for surface operations, and allow placement of large cargo elements very close to the lunar surface. As part of this study, lightweight, efficient structural configurations for these spacecraft were proposed and evaluated. Vehicle structural configurations were first developed, and preliminary structural sizing was then performed using finite element-based methods. Results of selected structural design and trade studies performed during this activity are presented and discussed.

Wu, K. Chauncey↗

Investigation of Jupiter's Equatorial Hotspots and Plumes Using Cassini ISS Observations

We present updated analysis of Jupiter's equatorial meteorology from Cassini observations. For two months preceding the spacecraft's closest approach, the ISS onboard regularly imaged the atmosphere. We created time-lapse movies from this period in order to analyze the dynamics of equatorial 5-micron hot spots and their interactions with adjacent latitudes. Hot spots are quasi-stable, rectangular dark areas on visible-wavelength images, with defined eastern edges that sharply contrast with surrounding clouds, but a diffuse western edge serving as a nebulous boundary with adjacent equatorial plumes. Hot spots exhibit significant variations in size and shape over timescales of days and weeks. Some of these changes correspond with passing vortex systems from adjacent latitudes interacting with hot spots. Strong anticyclonic gyres present to the south and southeast of the dark areas appear to circulate into hot spots. Impressive, bright white plumes occupy spaces in between hot spots. Compact cirrus-iike 'scooter' clouds flow rapidly through the plumes before disappearing within the dark areas. This raises the possibility that the plumes and fast-moving clouds are at higher altitudes, because their speed does not match previously published zonal wind profiles. Most profiles represent the drift speed of the hot spots at their latitude from pattern matching of the entire longitudinal image strip. If a downward branch of an equatorially-trapped Rossby waves controls the overall appearance of hot spots, however, the westward phase velocity of the wave leads to underestimates of the true jet stream speed. Instead, our expanded data set demonstrating the rapid flow of these scooter clouds may be more illustrative of the actual jet stream speed at these latitudes. This research was supported by a NASA JDAP grant and the NASA Postdoctoral Program.

Choi, David S.↗

Transverse single-spin asymmetries in $γ$ SIDIS as a direct probe of quark-gluon-quark longitudinal momentum structure

Transverse single-spin asymmetries in the semi-inclusive deep-inelastic production of isolated photons ($\gamma$SIDIS), $A_{UT}^{\gamma {\rm SIDIS}}$, provide an unprecedented opportunity to extract the quark-gluon-quark correlators $F_{FT}(x,x')$ and $G_{FT}(x,x')$ point-by-point in their full support $x,x'$. We utilize realistic models for these functions, based on input from the Sivers transverse momentum dependent parton distribution function and imposing constraints from the $d_2$ matrix element calculated in lattice QCD, in order to provide numerical estimates for $A_{UT}^{\gamma {\rm SIDIS}}$ at the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). We thoroughly explore the EIC phase space in order to isolate in which regions the asymmetry can be sizable, finding it can be as much as $10\%$ or larger for certain kinematics. Given that $F_{FT}(x,x')$ and $G_{FT}(x,x')$ are basically unknown, $A_{UT}^{\gamma {\rm SIDIS}}$ will be an important future measurement to learn about multi-parton correlations in the nucleon.

Electron-Ion Collider↗

Investigation of the Saturn dust environment from the analysis of energetic charged particle measurements

In order to assist the Cassini project in evaluating risks of collisions with particulate matter in the rotational equatorial plane, available Pioneer 11 and Voyager energetic charged particle data were reinvestigated to constrain the column mass density of absorbing material within several radial ranges. Within the orbit of Mimas, CRAND proton phase space densities maximize near 2.67 R sub s and exhibit secondary maximum at 2.43 R sub s. From the condition that sources must exceed losses near these maxima and using available theoretical models for CRAND proton production rates, upper bounds on the column mass density at these two radial locations are calculated. Detailed fits of radial diffusion models to the observed flux maxima yield somewhat more restrictive upper limits. The upper limits compare to a lower limit on the column mass density, estimated from previous model calculations by Van Allen. Aside from continuous rings, longitudinally limited, low optical depth clouds of particulates may exist in orbit with several of the inner satellites including Mimas and Enceladus. A brief review of Voyager energetic particle microsignatures that suggest the presence of material co-orbiting with these two satellites is presented. Finally, Pioneer 11 and Voyager measurements of low energy electron fluxes exhibit minima near the location of the tenuous E Ring centered on approx. 4 R sub s. Pioneer 11 pitch angle distributions appear to support the possibility that direct absorption by Ring E particulates produced the observed flux decreases.

Hood, L. L.↗

EDIN design study alternate space shuttle booster replacement concepts. Volume 2: Design simulation results

Historical weight estimating relationships were developed for the liquid rocket booster (LRB) using Saturn technology, and modified as required to support the EDIN05 study. Mission performance was computed using February 1975 shuttle configuration groundrules to allow reasonable comparison of the existing shuttle with the EDIN05 designs. The launch trajectory was constrained to pass through both the RTLS/AOA and main engine cut-off points. Performance analysis was based on a point design trajectory model which optimized initial tilt rate and exo-atmospheric pitch profile. A gravity turn was employed during the boost phase in place of the shuttle angle-of-attack profile. Engine throttling add/or shutdown was used to constrain dynamic pressure and/or longitudinal acceleration where necessary.

Demakes, P. T.↗

Shining light on nanoscale ‘vine-on-stick’ eutectic structures in the Al-Ce-Ni system

Multiphase eutectics often comprise entangled solid phases with nanoscale periodicity, making it difficult to unravel their 3D connectivity using conventional 2D techniques. Among such systems, the three-phase eutectic Al-Al 11 Ce 3 -Al 3 Ni stands out for its ultrafine (∼100 nm) interphase spacing and promising creep resistance, yet its microstructure remains relatively unexplored despite its potential for high-temperature applications. Here, we use scanning hard X-ray microscopy with an unprecedented ∼10 nm pixel size to resolve its 3D morphology. Reconstructions reveal a novel “vine-on-stick” motif, wherein Al 11 Ce 3 wraps around Al 3 Ni pillars. Analysis of phase tortuosities confirms that Al 11 Ce 3 exhibits more convoluted morphologies than Al 3 Ni. No orientation relationship was observed between the two intermetallics, suggesting that growth is controlled by local solute gradients rather than epitaxy. Fragmentation of intermetallics along their longitudinal axis suggests a Rayleigh-type breakup mechanism in solid state. The “vine-on-stick” pattern may generalize to other alloy systems with variable interfacial anisotropies and low mutual solubilities.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Design of a nonlinear adaptive filter for suppression of shuttle pilot-induced oscillation tendencies

Analysis of a longitudinal pilot-induced oscillation (PIO) experienced just prior to touchdown on the final flight of the space shuttle's approach landing tests indicated that the source of the problem was a combination of poor basic handling qualities aggravated by time delays through the digital flight control computer and rate limiting of the elevator actuators due to high pilot gain. A nonlinear PIO suppression (PIOS) filter was designed and developed to alleviate the vehicle's PIO tendencies by reducing the gain in the command path. From analytical and simulator studies it was shown that the PIOS filter, in an adaptive fashion, can attenuate the command path gain without adding phase lag to the system. With the pitch attitude loop of a simulated shuttle model closed, the PIOS filter increased the gain margin by a factor of about two.

Smith, J. W.↗

Meteorology of Jupiter's Equatorial Hot Spots and Plumes from Cassini

We present an updated analysis of Jupiter's equatorial meteorology from Cassini observations. For two months preceding the spacecraft's closest approach, the Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS) onboard regularly imaged the atmosphere. We created time-lapse movies from this period in order to analyze the dynamics of equatorial hot spots and their interactions with adjacent latitudes. Hot spots are relatively cloud-free regions that emit strongly at 5 lm; improved knowledge of these features is crucial for fully understanding Galileo probe measurements taken during its descent through one. Hot spots are quasistable, rectangular dark areas on visible-wavelength images, with defined eastern edges that sharply contrast with surrounding clouds, but diffuse western edges serving as nebulous boundaries with adjacent equatorial plumes. Hot spots exhibit significant variations in size and shape over timescales of days and weeks. Some of these changes correspond with passing vortex systems from adjacent latitudes interacting with hot spots. Strong anticyclonic gyres present to the south and southeast of the dark areas appear to circulate into hot spots. Impressive, bright white plumes occupy spaces in between hot spots. Compact cirrus-like 'scooter' clouds flow rapidly through the plumes before disappearing within the dark areas. These clouds travel at 150-200 m/s, much faster than the 100 m/s hot spot and plume drift speed. This raises the possibility that the scooter clouds may be more illustrative of the actual jet stream speed at these latitudes. Most previously published zonal wind profiles represent the drift speed of the hot spots at their latitude from pattern matching of the entire longitudinal image strip. If a downward branch of an equatorially-trapped Rossby wave controls the overall appearance of hot spots, however, the westward phase velocity of the wave leads to underestimates of the true jet stream speed.

Jupitor's Equatorial Zone↗

EDIN design study alternate space shuttle booster replacement concepts. Volume 1: Engineering analysis

The use of a recoverable liquid rocket booster (LRB) system to replace the existing solid rocket booster (SRB) system for the shuttle was studied. Historical weight estimating relationships were developed for the LRB using Saturn technology and modified as required. Mission performance was computed using February 1975 shuttle configuration groundrules to allow reasonable comparison of the existing shuttle with the study designs. The launch trajectory was constrained to pass through both the RTLS/AOA and main engine cut off points of the shuttle reference mission 1. Performance analysis is based on a point design trajectory model which optimizes initial tilt rate and exoatmospheric pitch profile. A gravity turn was employed during the boost phase in place of the shuttle angle of attack profile. Engine throttling add/or shutdown was used to constrain dynamic pressure and/or longitudinal acceleration where necessary. Four basic configurations were investigated: a parallel burn vehicle with an F-1 engine powered LRB; a parallel burn vehicle with a high pressure engine powered LRB; a series burn vehicle with a high pressure engine powered LRB. The relative sizes of the LRB and the ET are optimized to minimize GLOW in most cases.

Demakes, P. T.↗

Analysis of the staging maneuver and booster glideback guidance for a two-stage, winged, fully reusable launch vehicle

One of the promising launch concepts that could replace the current space shuttle launch system is a two-stage, winged, vertical-takeoff, fully reusable launch vehicle. During the boost phase of ascent, the booster provides propellant for the orbiter engines through a cross-feed system. When the vehicle reaches a Mach number of 3, the booster propellants are depleted and the booster is staged and glides unpowered to a horizontal landing at a launch site runway. Two major design issues for this class of vehicle are the staging maneuver and the booster glideback. For the staging maneuver analysis, a technique was developed that provides for a successful separation of the booster from the orbiter over a wide range of staging angles of attack. A longitudinal flight control system was developed for control of the booster during the staging maneuver. For the booster glide back analysis, a guidance algorithm was developed that successfully guides the booster from the completion of the staging maneuver to a launch site runway while encountering many off-nominal atmospheric, aerodynamic, and staging conditions.

Naftel, J. Christopher↗

Information for Lateral Aircraft Spacing Enabling Closely-Spaced Runway Operations During Instrument-Weather Conditions

In an effort to increase airport capacity, the U.S. plans on investing nearly $6 billion a year to properly maintain and improve the nation's major airports. Current FAA standards however, require a reduction in terminal operations during instrument-weather conditions at many airports, causing delays and reducing airport capacity. NASA, in cooperation with the FAA, has developed the Terminal Area Productivity Program to achieve clear-weather capacity in instrument- weather conditions for all phases of flight. This paper describes a series of experiments planned to investigate the conceptual design of different systems that provide information to flight crews regarding nearby traffic during the approach phase of flight. The purpose of this investigation is to identify and evaluate different display and auditory interfaces to the crew for use in closely-spaced parallel runway operations. Three separate experiments are planned for the investigation. The first two experiments will be conducted using part-task flight simulators located at the MIT Aeronautical Systems Laboratory and at NASA Ames. The third experiment will be conducted in the Advanced Concepts Flight Simulator, a generic "glass-cockpit" simulator at NASA Ames. Subjects for each experiment will be current glass-cockpit pilots from major U.S. air carriers. Subject crews will fly several experimental scenarios in which pseudo-aircraft are "blundered" into the subject aircraft simulation. Runway spacing, longitudinal aircraft separation, aircraft performance and traffic information will be varied. Analyses of the subject reaction times in evading the blundering aircraft and the resulting closest points of approach will be conducted. This paper presents a preliminary examination of the data recorded during the part-task experiments. The impact of traffic information on closely-spaced parallel runway operations is discussed, cockpit displays to aid these operations are examined, and topics for future research are suggested.

Thrush, Trent↗

Space shuttle: Longitudinal and lateral aerodynamic characteristics of the 0.0035-scale GD/C aerospace booster (B-15B-1)

Force tests on a 0.0035-scale model of the General Dynamics/Convair space shuttle B-15B-1 booster were conducted in the MSFC trisonic wind tunnel during February and March 1971. Longitudinal and lateral characteristics were obtained at Mach numbers from 0.6 to 4.96. The configuration tested had a low delta wing, all-movable canard controls of delta planform, and a single vertical tail. Most of the test was devoted to obtaining data relevant to the transition from atmospheric reentry to subsonic cruise. In that portion of the test the angles of attack ranged from 6 degrees to 60 degrees, and yaw runs were made at angles of attack of 15 and 35 degrees. The rest of the test was devoted to obtaining booster-alone buildup data relevant to the launch phase. For the launch phase, the Mach number range was from 0.6 to 2.0, the angles of attack were from -10 to +10 degrees, and yaw runs were made at zero angle of attack.

Debevoise, J. M.↗

Simulator Investigation of Controls and Display Required for Terminal Phase of Coplanar Orbital Rendezvous

A simulator study was made of presentations and control requirements for a manned astrovehicle employed in the interception of artificial satellites during the terminal phase of an orbital rendezvous of the satellite. The study was considered in terms of a manned interceptor having a home berth at a manned space station which is in circular orbit 500 miles above the earth. Interceptions were restricted to coplanar conditions and ranges of one-half mile. The results are believed to be generally applicable to conditions wherein the target is in the terminal area. Presentations which do not provide for attitude indications of the intercepting vehicle are not satisfactory. A direct-visual-observation presentation employing a screen, a projected star background, and a projected image of the target provided a feeling of "realism" in tracking and would be a satisfactory pilot-training aid. Use of longitudinal-translation and attitude controls alone is inadequate. Use of translation control alone, parallel and normal to the axis of the intercepting vehicle, is effective; the addition of attitude control enhanced the effectiveness, provided the control was used discriminately. Direct-visual-observation interceptions can be performed effectively without the aid of range and rate-of-closure-of-range meters at speeds up to approximately 50 feet per second; however, higher speeds of interception require the use of these instruments.

Wolowicz, Chester H.↗